I’ve been thinking a lot of how I want to live my life- what do I want to do with my one wild and precious life (to keep the Mary Oliver quotes coming🥰)? I love this simple answer from poet, Mary Oliver because it feels impactful and doable. We experience so much in our lives- day to day, year to year.

Are you paying attention?

Are you being astonished?

Are you telling about it?

I think of sharing our stories to inspire ourselves and others. I think of enjoying nature with my kids and seeing the world anew through their eyes. I think of serving my community to make it better for the next generation. I think of just breathing in the fresh air and finding calm in listening to the creek or sipping on my cup of coffee. 

This weekend we camped in Yellowstone National Park and visited the top sites in the park- Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic. Many locals avoid Yellowstone in the summer because it’s so busy with visitors. But we wanted to see these sites with the kids and we knew it would be busy, we expected it, and it was. But instead of focusing on the crowds, we talked about how we heard more foreign languages than English being spoken, we felt the excitement from people from all over the world who had Yellowstone on their bucket list, and we were in awe of this amazing earth we live on and what’s in our backyard. I came away feeling astonished by the wonder we paid attention to. And that’s why I am telling you about it. ❤️

You don’t need to go to Yellowstone to pay attention and be astonished, we can do it in the small things and the big things that happen each day. It just takes a little focus and practice. So let’s do it together. Here are 5 ways to be more intentional and present as you go through the day: 

1. Practice Mindfulness: take 5 minutes each morning to think about what you are looking forward to for the day
2. Embrace the small moments: whether it’s quietly drinking your coffee or tea in the morning or getting out for a five minute walk between meetings, enjoy these small moments and focus on being present for them
3. Practice Gratitude: think of what you are grateful for- big and small
4. Set Intentions, Not Expectations: Approach each day with an open heart and the intention to be curious and engaged. Instead of setting rigid expectations, allow yourself to be surprised by what unfolds. This openness can lead to moments of genuine astonishment.

5. Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors, even if it’s just for a short walk. Nature has a way of grounding us and reminding us of the larger world around us. Observing the changing seasons, a bird in flight, or a gentle breeze can evoke a sense of awe and presence.

PS- Keep reading below 👇🏻 for a cool article in Forbes about Leadership Lessons from Mary Oliver 

In the fast-paced world of leadership, it's easy to get caught up in the next big goal, the upcoming meeting, or the long-term vision. However, one of the most powerful tools in a leader's toolkit is the ability to stay grounded in the present moment. This means being fully aware, engaged, and responsive to what is happening right now, rather than being distracted by the past or anxious about the future.

Being grounded in the moment enhances your ability to make clear, thoughtful decisions. When you're fully present, you can listen more effectively, respond more appropriately, and connect more authentically with your team. It allows you to navigate challenges with a calm and composed mindset, which is essential for maintaining trust and credibility as a leader. Moreover, being present helps you appreciate the small wins and stay connected to your purpose, fostering resilience and preventing burnout.

Quick Tips to Stay Grounded:

1. Practice Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath. This simple practice can help center your mind and bring your attention back to the present.
2. Engage in Active Listening: When in conversations, fully focus on the speaker. Resist the urge to plan your response while they're talking. This not only shows respect but also helps you absorb the information more effectively.
3. Set Intentional Breaks: Throughout your day, take short breaks to pause and reflect. Use these moments to check in with yourself, reset, and refocus on the present task.
4. Limit Multitasking: While multitasking might seem efficient, it often leads to mistakes and increased stress. Prioritize one task at a time, giving it your full attention before moving on to the next.

By grounding yourself in the moment, you enhance your leadership impact, create stronger connections, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

7 Leadership Lessons from Mary Oliver on How to Forge Your Own Path

Check out this article in Forbes for your own leadership inspiration and living your own wonderful life!